Orca Replica Docks at Martha's Vineyard for Jaws 50th Bash!

Oak Bluffs Harbor, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, USA - As summer unfolds on Martha’s Vineyard, there’s an unmistakable buzz in the air, and it has everything to do with the 50th anniversary of the iconic film *Jaws*. Celebrations kicked off with an impressive display: a replica of the Orca boat, famously featured in the movie, has taken up residence at Oak Bluffs Harbor. According to Cape Cod Times, this piece of cinematic history was crafted by Michael Sterling, who made the long trek from Davie, Florida, to bring it to the festivities on the Vineyard. The journey spanned about 1,500 miles and began on June 13, completing just in time for the anniversary events.

The *Jaws* celebrations, which coincided with the film’s original release on June 20, 1975, featured a string of nautical-themed activities and memorabilia that delighted die-hard fans and curious newcomers alike. Oak Bluffs Harbor, already a picturesque hub, transformed into a canvas of shark-themed decorations and vintage *Jaws* gear. As reported by MassLive, the festivities, held from June 20-22, included local shops whipping up custom menu items and a special shark attack-inspired fudge that likely had attendees reaching for a second piece.

The *Jaws* Experiential Highlights

The main attraction of the anniversary was the exhibit titled “*Jaws* at 50: A Deeper Dive,” hosted at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. This captivating exhibition doesn’t just showcase artifacts; it encapsulates the behind-the-scenes magic of creating a film that changed the landscape of summer blockbusters. Featuring everything from the original screenplay to never-before-seen photos, it celebrates the deep connection between the film and the island community. For more details about the exhibit, take a look at MVY.

The exhibition shines a light on local residents‘ contributions, including the mechanical shark that terrorized audiences in the ’70s, along with rare photographs and original storyboards. Not to mention, there’s a life-sized replica of Bruce the Shark’s head making waves, alongside a scaled recreation of the Orca’s interior cabin that’s getting quite the attention from visitors. It’s worth noting that a section is dedicated to shark biology and conservation in partnership with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy—bringing awareness to these magnificent creatures while celebrating their filmic counterpart.

Festivities and Future Events

The *Jaws* festivities don’t end yet. Throughout the summer, Martha’s Vineyard will continue to play host to themed events, including film location tours and a free screening of “*Jaws* @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story” at the Harbor View Hotel, followed by a themed after-party. Fans can also join in on unique experiences like the Barks & Sharks Costume Parade which took place on June 29 and participate in the summer-long *Jaws* 50 escape room. It’s true: there’s something for everyone, especially for those who have a good hand in trivia and nostalgia.

As attendees gather to reminisce about their favorite scenes or perhaps engage in a bit of shark lore, the spirit of *Jaws* continues to thrive on the Vineyard. Local communities are not just celebrating a movie but honoring a cultural touchstone that has drawn fans to this vibrant island for decades. The legacy of *Jaws* reminds us that we can find beauty, laughter, and perhaps a little shiver of fear in our fondest cinematic memories.